This site uses cookies. Cookies are used to make the website work better, as well as to provide information on how the site is used. By continuing to use our site, we’ll assume you’re okay
with this. Read more about the Cookies used here.

Reference Library

For members of Leicestershire Libraries. Online reference library for books and authors, reference books and dictionaries, access to research, business information and consumer advice, Driving Theory Test, and local and family history.

Ancestry Library Edition (ALE)

Access Ancestry Library Edition from Home - Login using your library card number and PIN and select ‘Ancestry Library Edition’ from the homepage. This access is for Leicestershire library members only and is temporary while libraries are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find My Past Library Edition

Access Findmypast Library Edition from Home Login using your library card number and PIN and select ‘Findmypast Library Edition’ from the homepage. Use the username & password details provided to log in to Findmypast. This access is for Leicestershire library members only and is temporary while libraries are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This provides full access to the records you can normally view online in libraries, however please note:

These details are for library use only and should under no circumstances be shared publicly

It is not possible to log into your personal Findmypast account as you would when using Findmypast in a library

For privacy reasons, please do not start or update your own family trees using this account. Instead please register/sign into your own personal account with Findmypast but please note that this will require your own purchase of a subscription or credits to access hints and records within your own account.

Local History

Leicestershire libraries have materials about the individual local history of a town or village, which are available on a self-serve basis. Some of it may not be on display so please ask a member of library staff. Loughborough library has a dedicated local search volunteer to provide assistance.

Major local studies collections are available at the following libraries:

We welcome donations of items which record the life and history of Leicestershire and its people. These ensure that the collections continue to expand, and present day life becomes tomorrow's local history.